AAPI Perspectives: “Marguerita Cheng on Early Lessons and Lifelong Learning”
AAPI Perspectives, May 19, 2021 — In today’s edition, reporter Kiran Aditham interviews Marguerita Cheng, CFP® Pro. Scroll down to read the introduction to the article! Click here to view the entire piece!
While May marks the annual celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, this year’s commemoration takes on perhaps even more significance because of what the community continues to endure during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, while unfortunate circumstances may have led to a brighter light being cast on the AAPI community, The Balance aims to focus on the success stories of founders across regions and industries who’ve faced their own set of challenges and persevered—all the while maintaining their cultural roots and heritage. These are their experiences.
For Marguerita Cheng, the foundation for becoming a renowned certified financial planner (CFP)and co-founder/CEO of financial advisory firm Blue Ocean Global Wealth was laid early. As the daughter of a Chinese immigrant father, Cheng grew up in a household where education was imperative. However, just as important to her financial sensibilities was living in what she calls a “collectivist” environment in which extended family always surrounded her.
By adolescence, Cheng was engaging in conversations around stocks and insurance and was being taught unconventional lessons about the importance of money. Her upbringing inspired Cheng to forge a career path that eventually led to analyst positions in Tokyo, numerous certifications in financial planning, Top Financial Advisor recognition from Investopedia, and many other accolades.
The Balance recently spoke with the Maryland-based Cheng about her upbringing, going against the grain, her keys to overcoming roadblocks, and what AAPI Heritage Month means to her.